Bored teenager

[DisneyDaffodil]

At 13 he is too young to stay home alone but could he stay with a relative while you go? If he really doesn’t want to go, he could spoil the whole holiday. Otherwise I would chat and see if there’s anything different in Orlando that he may want to visit this trip, maybe a different park or ksc? Or a particular part of the trip that he really doesn’t want to visit again, such as Disney (hard for me to understand but some teenagers feel too old for Disney 😂 )

Maybe explain that you hadn’t realised he didn’t want to go this year but that you want to all enjoy it, and if he joins in this year then you can discuss a change of holiday plan for next year if he’s bored of Florida.

Is he acting ungrateful? Maybe but would you want to go on a holiday that you hadn’t been consulted on or didn’t fancy? He is getting to the age where he wants to be involved with decisions and has his own ideas, so maybe you should chat about the family holiday together and find something you all like. Alternatively he could just be at the miserable teenager stage where nothing you suggest suits him and he hates the idea of going anywhere with his family. If so, good luck 😂 . No, seriously, even then it can be made easier with a chat explaining that at 13 he has to come but you will involve him in plans and if he wants to do something or skip something, then you are happy to listen and make it enjoyable for all of the family.

[mysteryjimbo]

We've always enjoyed staying on property with the DDP but after last visit in 2017 it felt like it was time to change pace and stay in a villa.

My daughter will turn 15yo in August whilst we're in Florida and the time has come that we require greater space and more bathrooms. We're also going for 3 weeks for the first time so we can have a change of pace and experience some different things.

[Guest]

We have DS 15 and DS 11 - both like parks and beach and villa/pool. We only did 4 days at Universal last summer rest in villa and beach. Have done Disney many times. This year we are just doing beach, flying to Tampa and meeting family with 2 x teenagers so booked a large villa, with pool and 2 lounges - one for adults and one for kids. Would never drag them around parks for more than 4 days max. They get bored and it costs a lot for them to get bored. More fun in the villa, staying up late, getting up late and chilling as that's what hols are for. Also this time hols are cheaper for family of 4 to go in villa than all inclusive European hol.

[Mazascouser]

Try a cruise. Most have clubs for teenagers. The clubs have plenty for them to do to stop them from being bored. While they are being entertained you can relax and chill. Well worth researching.

[Vinniecat]

Originally Posted by Mazascouser

Try a cruise. Most have clubs for teenagers. The clubs have plenty for them to do to stop them from being bored. While they are being entertained you can relax and chill. Well worth researching.

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This year will be the first year that our youngest (aged 15) hasn't had a sibling with her. We are trying a cruise for that reason. She is really looking forward to it.

[Burgmeister]

Our DD (15) loves cruising and has been on several over the years. She never goes to the kids/teens clubs though, as its not her thing but there are plenty of others that do.

[Blue nose]

I've no advice other than to speak to him

But wanted to say I'm shocked at the replies suggesting leaving him at home if he doesn't want to come. He's 13 not 30. A family holiday is that - for the family and should be something you all enjoy. Maybe try something different.

[Orlando Fan]

Hi there,

I am certain your, (OP) comments will resonate with many!

In our case our elder son just could never get enough of the entire Orlando experience during his early teens. Always wanted to do more, go more often... and as he grew older he wished and then did learn in detail how it all worked from a business perspective!

And eventually stood him in very good stead in future years. Since after UNI, (and he is now 30) he has followed an excellent job / career path in management at McDonalds, (yes such jobs do actually exist!) and is still as keen on his "Mickey Stuff today!

However, our other son suffered severely with "teenage-itis!"... and this was always exaggerated in Orlando due to 3/4 weeks away from his nice home comforts! But, as the old saying goes, "we ARE all different, and life WOULD be pretty boring if we were all the same!"

So, at the earliest possible opportunity do not make him SUFFER any further. With appropriate arrangements in place AT HOME, do as suggested above by some very wise Dibbers... You just leave him at home, and it's then win, win, win for everyone!

You may just find that after this thrust... Orlando may, on reflection not be the "hell-hole" it appears at present?

Enjoy,

Paul

[justus2again]

We foster teenagers and always take our kids with us. We always have a villa due to needing separate bedrooms and find that the wifi keeps them happy when they are in the villa along with the games room and pool, they love the shopping and we try to just do the parks they want finding it easier to do half days rather than all day x

[macadoo]

Originally Posted by Blue nose

I've no advice other than to speak to him

But wanted to say I'm shocked at the replies suggesting leaving him at home if he doesn't want to come. He's 13 not 30. A family holiday is that - for the family and should be something you all enjoy. Maybe try something different.

See more...

I agree. There are plenty of holiday destinations other than Florida. I would ask him where he would like to go on holiday instead and go with that.

Ours have loved all their Florida holidays but after our second visit our son (then 15) said that the following year he’d like a beach/pool holiday for a change so that’s what we did.